In a unique service opportunity, students from Prep traveled to Washington D.C. Students dedicated a week to exploring social justice issues through the lens of Ignatian spirituality and Jesuit values.
This immersive experience aimed at deepening student understanding of the workings that go on in the country’s capital while applying the Jesuit values learned here at Prep. The goal for this program was to equip students with the tools to advocate for positive change within their communities, and beyond.
Solyana Endashaw ’26 shared her view on this special opportunity, “The conference taught me how the youth have the power to change the future. I learned more about social issues and how I can help, using my privileges to advocate for the marginalized.”
Guided by Jesuit values, the group engaged in discussions, workshops and meetings with policymakers, great learning opportunities for these developing leaders. Answering the Ignatian call to serve others, these Panthers took advantage of their opportunity to spend time with some very influential people. They discussed topics such as migration and concerns with the environment, voicing their concerns with politicians. They made connections between these issues with possible concerns here at Prep.
After returning, these students will do their best to take what they learned while at the Ignatian Family Teach-In (IFTJ) here at Prep.
Endashaw said “The most meaningful part of the trip to me was when we went to a breakout room at a conference to discuss migration.” She continued, “This made me wonder what I could do for those in similar situations within my communities.”
The trip offered students a valuable balance between serious learning and fun experiences, allowing them time for both meaningful discussions and fun activities. The group had their time to explore, visiting many historical sites within the city. This group of students opting to set their time aside to follow along with Seattle Prep’s Jesuit Ignatian teachings will better the school community as a whole. These students are doing their best to become young transformational leaders, in order to better the world.
